IVSO’s holiday concert in Princeton a huge success

IVSO Music Director and Conductor Lucia Matos leads the orchestra during the Dec. 8 holiday concert in the Princeton High School auditorium. The concert featured many holiday favorites including, Berlin’s White Christmas, A Canadian Brass Christmas, Sleigh Ride by Anderson, Carol of the Bells, and a special narration of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Princeton Mayor Keith Cain.

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(Photo contributed)

Guest artist Susan Nelson performs during the IVSO holiday concert in the Princeton High School auditorium. Nelson was born and raised in Princeton. At Princeton High School, she sang in the Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers and the Ladies’ Ensemble.

PRINCETON — Though it was the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra’s first public concert in Princeton in its 63-season history, it was as if a long-time friend came home for the holidays.

Beginning with a warm welcoming reception from the audience, IVSO’s Dec. 8 holiday concert concluded with a standing ovation from a packed house in the Sally Skinner Council Auditorium at Princeton High School.

After the concert, IVSO Music Director and Conductor Lucia Matos said, “It was a very special concert for us. We felt truly welcomed by the community of Princeton. The audience was warm and appreciative.”

About guest artist Susan Nelson, who performed “Silent Night,” “O Mio Babbino Caro,” and more, Matos said, “We were very fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with Susan Nelson, a soprano who has not only a very beautiful, rich voice, but also a very refined sense of style.”

The orchestra’s performance of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” was enhanced by Princeton Mayor Keith Cain’s narration of the beloved poem, while Lucas, Sean and Samantha Muņoz (ages 6, 8 and 10) listened from the floor of the stage.

Certainly not to be upstaged, near the end of “Sleigh Ride,” Santa himself appeared to delight all with a jolly “Ho-ho-ho.” Though it was intermission, “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,” as Santa spread holiday cheer and candy canes to a charmed audience.

In speaking about the holiday concert, Matos said, “It was, in every way, a very memorable evening for us!”